More Details Released in Wethersfield Kidnapping and Assault Case Against 2 State Troopers

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Details of a case involving two state troopers accused of kidnapping and assault while off duty point to an alleged incident over a girlfriend after a night out at a Hartford bar that adjourned to the local home of one trooper.

The troopers charged are:

Xavier Cruz, 30, of Wethersfield, a state trooper since 2012 assigned to Troop K barracks in Colchester

• First-degree kidnapping with a firearm
• Deprivation of rights - bodily injury
• Second-degree assault with a firearm
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping with a firearm
• Conspiracy to commit second-degree assault with a firearm
• Coercion - threat of a felony
• Bond: $750,000 (released)
• Surrendered/Arrested: Feb. 28
• Next court appearance: March 29

Rupert Laird, 30, of Manchester, a state trooper since 2012 assigned to the Troop C barracks in Tolland

• First-degree kidnapping with a firearm
• Deprivation of rights - bodily injury
• Second-degree assault with a firearm
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping with a firearm
• Conspiracy to commit second-degree assault with a firearm
• Coercion - threat of a felony
• Bond: $750,000 (released)
• Surrendered/Arrested: Feb. 27
• Next court appearance: March 29

State Police on Tuesday said they have suspended their police powers, confiscated their weapons, badges and patrol vehicles, and opened an internal administrative inquiry.

Fox 61 detailed the specifics of the incident after examining case details, See the report here.

The incident took place on Feb.18, according to police records.

Photo Credit: Wethersfield police